Maddon high on Amezaga

Seeing Alfredo Amezaga's name in the Marlins lineup at shortstop for Saturday night's game, Rays manager Joe Maddon had to smile.

They were together for three years (2002-04) with the Angels, where Maddon was the bench coach and Amezaga was a young infielder trying unsuccessfully to stick in the majors.

"I used to speak with him a lot," Maddon said. "He was a very good listener. He never just came back with an answer. He would listen and digest it and move on."

Amezaga credits Maddon with helping him on the mental side of the game and keeping him afloat when times were tough.

"I think he's a very smart person," Amezaga said. "When I was with the Angels, I didn't play that much. They gave me the opportunity there. Maybe I wasn't ready for that. Now every time [Maddon] sees me, he says this is what I deserve."

It was Chone Figgins who assumed a super utility role with the Angels, who preferred to keep Amezaga primarily at shortstop. It wasn't until he got to the Marlins in 2006 that Amezaga added the outfield to his resume.

Amezaga played seven positions last year and may see time at nearly as many spots on this three-city interleague trip as manager Fredi Gonzalez rotates DH duty through his lineup.

"As he came up through the Angels organization, he was really well known for his defense," Maddon said. "He's a very good shortstop. The fact he's grown into this super utility kind of player makes him very valuable for many years to come. I think it suits him."

Personality-wise as much as anything.

"He's always energetic," Maddon said. "He was just a great guy to be around. He's always been like that. He's a happy fellow. I think he just likes to play baseball, and it really shows."

Reinforcements

An industry source said the Marlins could have interest in Twins reliever Juan Rincon, who was designated for assignment Friday after refusing a demotion to the minors.

Rincon, 29, has been a Marlins trade target in the past but has slumped to a 6.11 ERA in 24 outings this year. He is making $2.475 million on a one-year deal, but the Marlins would owe him just the pro-rated minimum if they waited for him to be released after 10 days, which they would likely do.

Yankees reliever LaTroy Hawkins, also on the trading block, is unlikely to interest the Marlins.

Tucker feedback

Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett banged out two of the seven hits off Ryan Tucker on Friday night, but he was still impressed with the Marlins' rookie right-hander.

"He had a great arm," Bartlett said. "He didn't just use his [94-mph] fastball. He had the offspeed pitches going. Maybe he threw a little too much of them at times, but he obviously has all the pitches and he's going to be a good one."

Draft update

A source close to the process said the Marlins and first-round draft pick Kyle Skipworth are "getting closer" to a deal that would get the sixth-overall pick under contract.

Both sides are hopeful of getting Skipworth, a high school catcher from Riverside, Calif., signed in time for the start of Gulf Coast League play June 19.

Jinxed again

Sports Illustrated writer Michael Farber is in town working on a profile of Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla. Of course, Uggla went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts Friday night with Farber in attendance.